ACE MENTOR PROGRAM
2016 AWARDS The ACE Mentor Program of Eastern Pennsylvania hosted members of the architecture, construction, and engineering community Wednesday, May 11, 2016 for the 15th Annual Scholarship Breakfast and Awards Program. This year’s honorees include an organization shaping the education of future design and construction professionals and two projects. The ACE Mentor Program is a national non-profit organization that engages and encourages high school students to consider careers in design and construction through mentoring, scholarships, and grants. For information visit www.acementor.org.
24 CONSTRUCTION TODAY
Organization of the Year: Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid-Atlantic Region The Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid Atlantic Region (FTI) provides training for the apprentices and journeypersons of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 21. DC 21 membership includes 4,200 individuals representing commercial painters, drywall finishers, glaziers and glass workers, industrial painters, and wall coverers. FTI has been registered with the Department of Labor since 1946 and in 2009, became North America’s first and only Department of Education accredited union training program. Education has always been at the forefront of FTI initiatives. Attaining full accreditation for its union apprenticeship program means each graduating apprentice receives a specialized associate degree and can continue the education process to earn bachelor’s or master’s degrees. FTI and ACE have an ongoing relationship. ACE students have attended the Architectural Glass Boot Camp, toured FTI’s 100,000-squarefoot training facility, participated in safety training, and developed a stronger understanding of the role of the trades. FTI is honored for its commitment to education and ongoing initiatives. ACE salutes FTI on its efforts to recruit and build a smarter, more diverse, and motivated workforce.